Man on the Ocean: A Book about Boats and Ships

Name: Man on the Ocean: A Book about Boats and Ships
Author: R. M. Ballantyne

By R. M. Ballantyne

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Adventure Children & Young Adult Reading History - Other

About This Book

The work presents ships as remarkable floating communities and tools of global exchange, describing their construction, uses, and the sensations they inspire. It traces water travel from primitive rafts and dugout canoes through the gradual development of planking, caulking, and larger craft, and explains navigational aids such as the mariner's compass. Interwoven are vivid explanatory anecdotes about hazards at sea, practical advice aimed at young readers, and a chaptered progression that moves from a vessel's origins through its operational life to eventual decline. The tone is instructive and adventurous, intended to inform and excite interest in maritime life.

About the Author

R. M. Ballantyne

R. M. Ballantyne was a Scottish author known for his adventure novels, particularly popular among young readers in the 19th century. His works often explore themes of exploration, bravery, and the natural world, reflecting his own experiences as a sailor and traveler. Among his notable titles is "Away in the Wilderness," which showcases his ability to weave thrilling narratives with moral lessons. Ballantyne's storytelling is characterized by vivid descriptions and engaging plots, making him a significant figure in children's literature of his time. His extensive bibliography includes nearly a hundred works, many of which remain influential in the adventure genre.